The Violet Hour: A Novel

by James Cahill

A stylish, ambitious novel—touching on themes of power, money, and desire—that evokes the art world and all of its moral complexities.

Thomas Haller has achieved the kind of fame that most artists only dream shows in London and New York, paintings sold for a fortune. The vision he presents to the world is one of an untouchable genius at the top of his game. It is also a lie.

Between his ruthless new dealer and a property mogul obsessed with his work, the appetite for Thomas and his art is all-consuming. Who is the real Thomas Haller? His oldest friend and former dealer, Lorna, might once have known—before Thomas traded their early intimacy for international fame.

On the eve of his latest show, the luminaries of the art world gather. But the sudden death of a young man has put everyone on edge—and so begins a chain of events that will lead a group of friends back into the past to confront who they have become.

A story of deception, power-play, and longing, The Violet Hour exposes the unsettling underbelly of the art world, asking, who is granted admission to a world that seems to glitter and shimmer, and who is left outside, their faces pressed to the glass?

Genres: 21st Century, Fiction, Art, LGBT, Queer, Literary Fiction, Contemporary

368 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2025

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounded up.

Cahill's debut novel, Tiepolo Blue, made my best-of 2022 list, so I was eagerly awaiting his follow-up - and for the most part I DID enjoy this - it just lacked something that the earlier work had, I'm not sure exactly what, so was slightly disappointed. Possibly a lack of any real momentum (this took me a full 10 days to read, the earlier book only four - and they are roughly the same length!).

The plot, what there is of one, was also somewhat puzzling. The book follows three main characters over the course of about two to three years (with side voyages into flashbacks). They are all sharply defined and inherently interesting: Lorna Bedford, a 50-ish lesbian New York art gallery owner; Thomas Haller, a famous, though enigmatic, abstract artist, with whom Lorna had a one-night stand 30 years back, resulting in a child put up for adoption; and Leo J. Goffman, an 85-year old billionaire art collector, with secrets of his own.

The book starts with a young man, Luca, falling to his death from a balcony in NY, and the ostensible reasons for such forms one plot strand - but when the revelation of what happened comes in the penultimate chapter, it's all rather ho-hum. At one point, both Lorna and the reader are led to believe Luca MIGHT be her and Thomas' son - but TG that isn't the case since he too has an affair with Thomas!

There are numerous other threads weaving through, some more prominent than others, but if someone asked me for a synopsis of the 'plot', I would be hard pressed to say exactly what it all adds up to - mainly a view of the modern art world, and all its various denizens, foibles, peccadilloes, etc., I suppose. Cahill's prose is also a bit 'fussy' this time, although there is plenty of gorgeous writing here also.

The other thing is that if the 'Worst Sex in Literature' Prize is still being awarded, this contains quite a few eyebrow-raising, and bordering on ludicrous, such scenes. Sadly, I'm afraid this ISN'T going to make my 2025 list ... but as with his first book, it has an absolutely beautiful cover design, though.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a big fan of Cahill’s first novel “Tiepolo Blue” so this was a guaranteed read for me. Overall I enjoyed - as others have said there is a clear style to the authors writing and the unfurling plot against the backdrop of an art world spanning continents makes for an entertaining read. This novel really does capture the light and shade within the industry - i continuously thought how conceivable these characters were. There were a couple of darker themes and I felt these were handled well, perhaps a signature of cahill’s work will always be a loose knot or two at the end of the story which i can live with. Tiepolo Blue’s ending left me a little stunned so I was pleased the culmination of this book felt appropriate.

[aimee! · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up for goodreads i think... but leave it with me. Cahill's previous work was a solid 4 at the time of reading, but I've thought about it pretty much daily since so let's see how we feel in a couple of months.

So much of my enjoyment with reading this came from admiring how accomplished Cahill is as a writer... i can tell a lot of thought went into every word of this - the prose is gorgeous and the structure is so tight, for lack of a better descriptor. especially with the three points of view and how they're balanced: at no stage does the narrative drag or lose momentum due to perspective. Cahill knows exactly when to pull the story back, to stay with a scene or a character for an extended period, and he knows when to speed things up. It's so well done and such a delight to read. Such a brilliantly crafted novel and noticable growth from Tiepolo Blue (which I had already really enjoyed).

In terms of the story itself, I really enjoyed the look into the exclusive art world (which i cannot stress enough, i know fuck all about) and how much passion the author clearly has for the subject. You're thrown into the epicentre of this unfamiliar world but it's very accessible! and the different strands and mysteries are so well thought out. It's also so addicting - each time i picked it up i'd blink and 60 pages had gone by just like that. admittedly sometimes he'd lose me with some subplots but i know not everything is meant to be satisfying. Also my favourite colour is purple. so. i liked that part lol. And I thought the ending was really solid!

i have no real conclusion. just that it's excellent. I can't wait to see what James Cahil does next. i once again reiterate that i think i'd read his grocery list if it was written like his prose lol

[Caitlin Holloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and James Cahill for this ARC!

After reading Tiepolo Blue, I was really curious to see what my next Cahill read looked like. One thing I can say for sure is that he is consistent and has a niche he sits quite comfortably in. If you want a book that is about the intricacies of the art market that really luxuriates in the diplomacy of it all, you can definitely rely on a James Cahill book for that. I personally find the prose readable but a bit dry for my taste, sometimes slipping into what feels like an author indulging so much that it felt overwritten rather than crafting a plot that holds my attention as well as I’d hoped. I did like it and read it in one sitting, but there were points where I was looking to see how much of the book I had left.

[Heather Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It leans very heavily on character perspective and very introspective descriptions, with the storyline moving quite slowly. There’s a lot of looking into the past within the story, and this was sometimes hard to follow for me. It read like a very extended character study. It was an interesting look into the world of art, collection and exhibition which I knew nothing about.

[Katy Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An atmospheric twist on a whodunnit that poses more questions than it answers, all set against the glittering, double-crossing world of high art. Lorna is a successful art dealer whose relationships suffer and whose world seems increasingly hollow. Her oldest friend, Thomas, a famous painter has done her dirty in both art and life and when she is sent to London to see his new show and get a painting for an embittered art collector, the past and present collide in the most visceral and unpleasant ways.

This is well written, taut and pacy, full of shadows and strange, complex relationships. You always get the sense that there is far more going on under the surface of the book than what is actually described. It's tantalising and smart.

[Andrew Potter-Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a hard one, you know!! I was so invested in the characters, but not the plot. I think the characters were really intriguing, but then the ending left quite a few questions. But it's still a good read!

[Remi · Rating 4 out of 5]

as someone who works in a fine art museum, i was amazed by how sharply and accurately this novel captures the art world. it’s clear that the author truly understands the ecosystem: the egos, the money, the power plays, the dealers, the collectors, the unspoken rules, the fragile alliances. this is not a novel about normal people who paint sometimes. it’s about professional artists, dealers, and insiders, and all the drama, desire, and desperation that swirl around them.

the writing is beautiful without ever becoming overly ornate or pretentious. instead, it’s welcoming. Cahill draws you in like a slow spiral, pulling you deeper into the characters’ complicated, interconnected lives. their relationships are tangled in a way that feels authentic to the high-stakes, high-gloss world they inhabit.

there is a mystery that threads through the entire novel, but Cahill never leans too heavily on the mystery genre. but rather, he uses it as the spine of the story, a reason for readers to move through the art world, to examine each character more closely, to see how their pasts have shaped their present selves.

i can see how this might not be for everyone; at times, it becomes deeply art-world-ish, full of conversations about acquisitions, exhibitions, valuations, and reputations. but to me, that’s exactly what makes it special. the book pulls back the elegant veil of the art world and shows the human mess beneath the glamour. this one is a unique and memorable read that i found genuinely impressive.

-------
to-read:

this is indeed something i want and need to read. would be able to share my thoughts as someone who works in an art museum.

*thank you to Pegasus Books for the ARC*us Books for the ARC*

[Moon Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

3.5 rounded up

I was a big fan of Tiepolo Blue, so was naturally curious about Cahill’s next release. I have some pretty mixed opinions of The Violet Hour, though.

Cahill is consistent and sits so comfortably within the niche he has found and that’s brilliant. If you’re looking for a book filled with well written prose and outstanding backgrounds and characters with great depth, fhen it’s definitely worth the read.
However for me, it felt the prose sometimes dipped out of the story and into overwritten indulgence on Cahill’s behalf. It’s not bad, but it did mean that I struggled to keep with it, and only occasionally found myself hooked on the plot.

The characters are brilliantly crafted, but I found myself wanting more from some and less from others.

I will say that if you’ve read Tiepolo Blue and didn’t enjoy the era and it’s haziness (which I very much did), this is a stark contrast, set against colourful, sunlit London, New York and Montreux.

Overall, this atmospheric twist on a whodunnit is well done and worth it if it interests you. But for me it barely compares to Tiepolo Blue, which is disappointing.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sceptre for the ARC!

[Sam James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic storytelling. Obsession in the art world that leads a character to believe they are above morality. An artist creating masterpieces, at the cost of knowing what love and even friendship is, exploring his toxic relationship with an art dealer and carnal desires. And a gallery owner you root for the most, really wanting to get to know her more.

I didn’t receive a free copy of this book from the publisher or other source. I paid for it, in a bookshop.

[Anne O'Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the period setting of James Cahill’s debut novel, Tiepolo Blue, lent it a hazy light in my mind’s eye, The Violet Hour is all bright sunlight reflected off the glass and chrome of buildings in London, New York and Montreux. In contrast to Tiepolo Blue which was necessarily full of men, The Violet Hour has a more balanced roster of characters, from gallerist Lorna and her writer partner Justine to young filmmaker Marianna and taciturn factotum Bonita.
Lorna from a modest background has forged her way as a New York art dealer. Since leaving her abruptly, her art school companion Thomas has made it big as a painter of abstract colour studies, shaped, even pushed, into the man he is by moneyed dealer Claude. But reputations are fragile, nothing is secure.
This is all interesting enough that there’s no need for a plot to prop it up but plot there is aplenty: the novel opens with a shocking event then we’re whisked off to New York to meet 85-year-old Leo, who is defiantly unreconstructed, drives like a madman and is the kind of rich where you’re used to getting your own way and have people to take of everything, be it pouring your coffee or securing a painting.
We follow the characters to events in London, New York and Venice; there is ego and stubbornness along with scheming and odd behaviour, while a couple are just trying to make art. You may find, as I did, that the mention of so many works of art necessitates some happy sidetracking into finding images of them online. I recommend this if you fancy a peek into the world of modern art and a cast of characters that will stay with you.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton/Sceptre Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Cahill’s The Violet Hour is a sharp and haunting exploration of the art world’s illusions, where ambition and vanity blur the lines between truth and deception. At its heart is Thomas Haller, a celebrated artist whose public persona—an enigmatic genius at the height of his career—hides a fragile, fractured reality. When a young man dies on the eve of his latest show, the carefully curated façade of Haller’s life begins to unravel, pulling his former friends, lovers, and rivals into a reckoning with the past.

Cahill writes with precision and depth, capturing both the intoxicating glamour and the brutal undercurrents of the art world. The novel moves between past and present, revealing how power dynamics, betrayals, and artistic obsession shape not just careers but identities. Lorna, Thomas’s former dealer and confidante, is particularly compelling, embodying the tension between artistic idealism and commercial survival.

What makes The Violet Hour so gripping is its atmosphere—an almost gothic sense of foreboding beneath the polished surface of wealth and culture. Cahill dissects the transactional nature of fame, the ruthless hunger for artistic relevance, and the price of both success and exclusion. The prose is elegant yet cutting, with moments of vulnerability that give the characters a haunting depth.

More than just a thriller or a commentary on the art world, The Violet Hour is a meditation on identity, longing, and the truths we choose to see—or ignore. With its darkly mesmerizing storytelling and psychological insight, it’s a novel that lingers, much like a painting that reveals new meanings the longer you look. A must-read for those who love literary fiction with an edge of mystery and a keen eye for human frailty.

[Les Gilman · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Cahill's The Violet Hour is a masterful dive into the glamorous yet often sinister world of contemporary art, and what truly sets it apart is its expertly crafted suspense. From the moment a young man's sudden death casts a shadow over a high-profile art gathering, the tension is palpable, weaving a compelling "whodunnit" narrative that kept me utterly gripped.
Cahill doesn't rely on cheap tricks; instead, the suspense builds through richly drawn characters and the complex, often morally ambiguous relationships between them. As the layers of deception, ambition, and hidden desires are slowly peeled back, you're constantly questioning motivations and loyalties. The author's prose is as seductive as the art world it portrays, drawing you deeper into a labyrinth of secrets where every glittering surface hides a potential darkness. The feeling of unease and the subtle hints of what's truly at stake make The Violet Hour an incredibly satisfying and thrilling read.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent a copy of The Violet Hour by James Cahill to read and review be NetGalley. I really loved the author’s first novel Tiepolo Blue and though I did enjoy The Violet hour it didn’t have quite the same impact on me. I love reading novels that include art and artists, their art practice, and the art world itself, and this novel is stuffed full of all of these. There aren’t many likeable characters and sometimes things get quite confusing, and I certainly could have done with out most of the explicit sex! Perhaps I’m just a prude! Having said all of that the descriptions of the artworks themselves were beautifully vivid and I could almost see them in my mind’s eye. I would definitely read more of James Cahill’s work – hopefully ending with a 5 star review next time!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a complex and cleverly written book about the art world. Mr Cahill obviously writes of what he knows and it was interesting seeing behind the scenes. The writing is crafted like the art it describes and sometimes becomes overly pompous.

The themes are universal ~ love, betrayal, grief, stupidity, regrets ~ and the description of a relationship in free fall is beautifully captured. I liked Lorna and felt the narrative moved better when she was point of view. Leo was irritating beyond belief ~ as he was supposed to be. Thomas I felt was a bit superficial and I’d have liked more about his motivation.

Overall a good read from a clever writer.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this idea of twisting the genre of a 'whodunnit' -- we need more of this kind of writing today, I think. The dry old formulas of the past can't hold a candle to this. Of course, the writing is excellent, and a real joy to read someone who isn't afraid of making the reader work just a bit harder for a big reward. The novel tells a story that is intensely dark, really, propelled by complicated relationships, and leaving narrative gaps that offer a real thrill of a read. I know I'll read this novel again and find new aspects I hadn't noticed before. Highly recommended and my grateful thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lengthy read but fabulously well written. I truly felt immersed in the contemporary art world evoked in the story, and felt the characters’ personalities unravel as if I had gotten to know them in real life. James Cahill has a stunning way of capturing the little details to make descriptions sound true, almost painting rather than writing. The narration glides seemlessly from one character to the other, from one plot element to the next, and everything is expertly tied together, with bits of new information dropped at subtly paced intervals. It is a story that takes its time, but it is timed well, and I would recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in art.

[Jane Nickerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by this author and I purchased it after attending a talk between James and Stephen Fry at the Hay Festival. I won’t repeat the plot in my review as there are many other reviews which cover it. I have probably been mean with my stars which is purely because it wasn’t really my type of book. It is beautifully written and the descriptions are almost cinematic. I just found there was a plethora of sex scenes which I didn’t enjoy. It did give an insight into the art world and the characters were believable. A few annoying loose ends too.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

While overall this came off better than “Tiepolo Blue”, I still at times felt the crushing tedium of overthinking and a whiff of academic superiority.

However the writing is so much better, more refined and less overworked , and the characters are, quite decidedly, more convincing.

I look forward to further novels by this talented author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital review copy.

[Lydia Hephzibah]

DNF @ P.178

setting: London/New York/Switzerland
rep: multiple queer protagonists

this book should have been right up my alley - queer litfic about the art world with a mystery in the background - but unfortunately it is very dry and dull, and it has taken me ten weeks since starting this book to eventually declare it a DNF. it's not badly written, but it is failing to capture my attention and hold it, my mind easily wandering as I read

[Heather Trevis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel centres around the art world, a mysterious death, and the opening of a new exhibition by celebrated abstract artist, Thomas Haller. The characters are compelling, the mediation on art and its meaning thought-provoking, and the plot intriguing. You know you’re enjoying a novel when you don’t want it to end!

[Garry Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. A work of art about the art world. Bit of globe trotting and a hint of murder mystery for good measure.

[Yellowoasis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love books set in the contemporary art world, but I just couldn't feel anything for any of these characters.

[Sally Gooch · Rating 1 out of 5]

read Tiepolo Blue and this book adds nothing to the experience. Couldn't get the point of it and didn't finish

[Alex Rogers · Rating 1 out of 5]

Both shallow and pretentious

[Haxxunne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Globetrotting literary version of an art-fuelled whodunnit
—
The issue with novels about art is that the art needs to be described on the page, and in the case of a fictional artist, without any visual cues. Words can describe its colours and tetures, the dimensions of a painting, the physicality of a sculpture, the effect of light on its surfaces; but they cannot describe how it feels to be in its presence: it will always be an impossible distance away. The author’s day job is in the art world and he brings his knowledge and experience to bear, building a multi-dimensional world of a high-flying artist returning to the limelight; the gallerist he abandoned years before, both professionally and personally; and a rich collector for whom owning the art is the whole point. Around these three fixed stars are a supporting cast of lovers, rivals, journalists, assistants, families, both blood and found, in a globetrotting literary version of an art-fuelled whodunnit.

The gallerist, Lorna, is the most fascinating character, squeezed between artists and collectors but holding all the powers of a go-between, a traverser of worlds. Her character, her story, her voice comes leaping off the page with the most urgency and the most opacity. I could have read a whole novel just from her viewpoint; she’s on the way to somewhere and I’d like to know where. The artist Thomas and Leon the collector also have their demons to lay to rest, but perhaps the pudding is just a little over-egged. Gorgeously written, full of pathos and tension, but it could do with being pared back a little.